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SPRING 2017
The Art of Leadership
What Makes a Leader?
New programs develop leadership skills among
CCSA scholars
Study of birds, migration, metabolism, aerodynamics and conservation takes flight in the second grade! Page 13
THE CHESTER CHARTER SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
Spring 2017 | 1
› In This Issue
CCSA’s mission is to prepare students to employ their intellectual and creative talents to enrich their community.
CCSA Today Spring 2017 | Volume 2, Number 1
PUBLISHER: The Chester Fund for Education and the Arts
MANAGING EDITOR: Hillary Sorin EDITORS: Hillary Sorin and Keren White
ART DIRECTOR: Lynne Smyers
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Audrey Amaro, Ashley LaBonde, Amy Komarnicki and Martin Froger-Silva
CCSA Today is published bi-annually. For change of address, please notify Amy Komarnicki at [email protected] or (610) 859-2988.
ou
r mission features
departments
On the cover: Nature and Nurture
On a typical Wednesday at CCSA, second graders venture out of the classroom to observe local birds. As part of their year-long unit on the natural environment, led by visiting biologist Amanda Meltz, CCSA’s second grade scientists build bird feeders, study migration, and collect data on their observations. For more, see p. 13.
The Chester Charter School for the Arts BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Donald W. Delson | PresidentMaurice G. Eldridge | Co-Vice President
and SecretaryBarbara Klock, M.D. | Co-Vice PresidentScott Beaumont | TreasurerBen Berger, PhDRamona JonesDion LewisMarcine Pickron-Davis, PhDSteve Piltch, Ed.D.Joan RichardsAkosua A. Watts | Head of School/CEO
ex-officio
The Chester Fund BOARD OF DIRECTORS
James J. McEntee, III | ChairRobert N. Speare | Vice ChairWendy Emrich | Secretary/TreasurerCorliss BoggsEric Del ViscioMarilyn HenkelmanAbigail W. RowleyJeffrey R. WoltersCordelia Delson | ex-officio
THE CHESTER FUND STAFF
Keren White | Executive DirectorHillary Sorin | Director of Development
and CommunicationsAmy Komarnicki | Development
Manager
LEADERSHIP
WHO WE ARE
The Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA) is a non-profit K-12 public charter school in the Chester Upland School District, one of the most under-resourced communities in Pennsylvania. CCSA was founded in 2012 by The Chester Fund for Education and the Arts, a non-profit organization formed to positively impact public education in Chester, PA.
Initially serving 320 students in grades K-6, CCSA currently serves 541 students in grades K-10. CCSA will serve approximately 650 students in grades K-12 by fall 2018. Admission is open to all students living in the Chester Upland School District, including those with special needs. 96% of CCSA students are African American and 89% of students are economically disadvantaged.
CCSA strives to provide a rigorous and nurturing education through the integration of the arts into all academic disciplines. It is our goal to prepare 100% of students for graduation and post-secondary success.
The Chester Fund now serves as CCSA’s charitable arm, administering and supporting programs that are not fully funded by public school per pupil allocations. With funding from the School District being limited, The Chester Fund is essential to ensure the success of CCSA’s program and its students.
3 Leadership Impact Report How philanthropy is building brighter futures in Chester
8 Influence in Action | By Daima Mbele Business leaders bring vision, resources, and opportunity to Chester
10 Reflections on Leadership | By James Emrich Fulfilling leadership potential through practice
12 Leadership Gift Funds New Initiatives | By Hillary Sorin $250,000 anonymous leadership gift fast-tracks CCSA’s arts-integrated program
16 Campaign Update: CCSA’s New Campus is Designed to Inspire Take a peek inside CCSA’s new arts integrated classroom By Donald W. Delson
2 Conversation with Keren White, Executive Director
4 On the Ground with Akosua Watts, Head of School/CEO
6 Curriculum in Focus: Talking to the Gods and Each Other By Mindy Nguyen-Balli
14 Volunteer Profile: Leading Lives of Distinction and Purpose By Barbara Klock, MD and Salem Shuchman
18 Philanthropy Highlights: Leaders Create Leaders By James J. McEntee III
20 What’s On Your Bookshelf? The Power of Great Classroom Libraries By Stacey Kucera, Katie Petrello and Lela Todd
20
6 12
10
200 Commerce DriveAston, PA 19014
2 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 3
› Conversation with Keren White, Executive Director
Transforming Chester Through LeadershipLeadership Impact ReportHow philanthropy is building brighter futures in Chester
omething important is happening at The Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA). While nationally arts education is at an all-time low, CCSA is investing in a model that uses the arts to build broad competencies
across all academic disciplines, including science and math. Research, as well as our own findings to date—CCSA’s 96% daily attendance
rate and 99% student retention rate—exemplify the benefits of arts in education. Together, with your philanthropic and volunteer leadership, we are countering systemic challenges to deliver an educational program that we know works.
Pennsylvania has one of the weaker state policies on arts education in the nation; it does not consider the arts to be a core academic discipline, nor does it require arts study for high school graduation. Between 2006 and 2012, Pennsylvania arts funding was reduced by 45%. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Education identified Pennsylvania as the least equitable public school system in the nation. The per pupil reimbursement rate for Chester students is $10,600— 120% less than in nearby Lower Merion.
In this context, how are we defying the odds? The answer is leader-ship—bringing vision, drive, hands-on work, and, of course, financial support through The Chester Fund. This leadership is enabling us not only to invest in our arts-integrated curriculum, but also to prioritize social emotional learning, family outreach and participation, post-secondary planning, and building a permanent campus for CCSA in the recovering City of Chester.
This issue of our magazine is focused on celebrating leadership. We chose this theme in recognition of those who have brought CCSA this far, those who continue to make our work possible, and the future leaders we are nurturing in our classrooms. I extend an open invitation for you to come and visit us and see where this leadership is taking us!
With gratitude,
Keren [email protected](610) 859-2988
his school year, CCSA welcomed 541 students from Chester, PA to experience our rigorous, arts-integrated education. Many children in the
United States have little or no access to arts programs in their schools. Arts education has declined by 40% for African American students since the 1980s.4 Through your leader-ship, we are defying this trend.
Our arts-integrated approach provides a breadth and depth of opportunity that ensures our students have the best possible chance to fulfil their potential. As funding for K-12 education drops significantly in both federal and state budgets, we are increasing our investment in our students and our program through your charitable investment.
468Hours participating
in extended day programs
Student participation in guidance
programming
100% 25:2Student-teacher
ratio per class
Professional arts partners working
with students
522Field study
experiences inside and outside the classroom
650K-12 school-aged students served
by 2018 in Chester
165Hours of in-school
arts instruction per student over
a year
20+Variety of art forms taught
WHY YOUR LEADERSHIP MATTERS
› Students who study the arts are 4X more likely to excel in academics.1
› Low income students who are engaged in the arts are 3x more likely to graduate from high school, are 2x more likely to attempt a 4-year college, and are 3x more likely to earn their bachelor's degree than low income students who don’t have access to high arts experiences.2
› Education in the arts is a necessary part of preparing young people for the 21st century global and technological work force.
› Students in the Chester Upland School District are among the most at-risk to drop out of school in Pennsylvania.3
At a time when public
school education, the arts,
and other key initiatives
for children are being
defunded and displaced,
CCSA is charging forward
thanks to the outstanding
leadership in our
community.
330Hours of math &
science instruction per student over a year
1 National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Institute of Museum and Library Services, “Re-Investing in Arts Education: Winning America’s Future Through Creative Schools.” The President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Accessed February 28, 2014.
2 Catterall, James S. (2009). Doing Well and Doing Good by Doing Art: The Effects of Education in the Visual and Performing Arts on the Achievements and Values of Young Adults. Los Angeles/London: Imagination Group/IGroup Books.
3 Robert Balfanz and Nettie Legters, Locating the Drop out Crisis, Johns Hopkins University, September 2004; Robert Balfanz, Center for Social Organization of Schools, Johns Hopkins University (2007). “Schools with a Three Year Average Promoting Power Ratio (Class of 2004, 2005 and 2006) of 60% or Less”
4 Roland J. Kushner and Randy Cohen. National Arts Index 2010: An Annual Measure of the Vitality of Arts and Culture in the United States: 1998-2009. Washington, Americans for the Arts, 2011. http://www.americansforthearts.org/pdf/information_services/art_index/NAI_report _w_cover_opt.pdf.
4 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 5
› On the Ground with Akos a Watts, Head of School/CEO
The Art of Leadershipe are coming to the close of another incredible school year at CCSA. And what a year it has been as we celebrated our five-year milestone as a school. I am so proud to serve CCSA’s wonderful students and
community.The end of the school year is a good time to reflect on the state of our
school and evaluate how we’ve grown together. I am delighted to report that student, family and faculty engagement is high, and we are enrolled to capacity for next year.
We look forward to big changes in the coming months as we relocate to our new facility and add 11th grade. Our commitment to arts integration—because the arts yield strong academic and personal outcomes for students—remains firm. Hand in hand with this commitment, we are introducing new high school programs that will support our vision to graduate 100% of students with purposeful post-secondary plans.
Growth highlights this year include an increased investment in science and technology. Our new school campus in Chester includes fully equipped science labs. We are working to increase the number of chrome books, iPads, and laptop carts to ensure these tools are accessible to all grades. We are developing new life-skills and career-oriented electives for high school students, including personal finance, entrepreneurship, and service learning. We are also launching a new Health Sciences Elective Program this September. The program will include Saturday and summer components, as well as in-school classes, and is made possible through funding from the WSFS Foundation and an anonymous donor.
As our older students progress through high school and access these dynamic opportunities, they will continue to practice the arts. Our growing emphasis on career planning, the sciences, and technology does not lessen our commitment to the arts—rather it provides diverse opportunities for our students to apply skills learned through their arts classes. Artists and scientists share a curiosity for the unknown, an appreciation for natural beauty, a desire to create, and a pull to discover and explain the world.
Arts-integration will continue through the high school grades. In high school science, for example, students learn the elements by developing super hero characters embodying the characteristics of each element. Science teacher Alex Perry notes that his students “become experts on chemical reactions by personifying their element using the visual arts and storytelling to demonstrate understanding.” Next year, we will have labs (in the Peggy and Pete Thompson Science Center) in which to conduct experiments, but projects like these will continue to give students alternate ways to master challenging content. Our existing teaching model will be enriched by our state-of-the-art facility.
Finally, to ensure that our students are ready for life beyond CCSA, we must focus on character and leadership skills, including emotional intelli-gence, integrity, confidence, and perseverance. We are nurturing student leadership ever-more-intentionally through programs such as service learn-ing, student council, and our Student Exhibition Series. CCSA volunteers and
supporters—you!—also model leadership for us each and every day. Leadership is an art, and developing leadership is a layered and ongoing
process—but we are seeing progress in individual students and in our school —as I believe you will see throughout this magazine! Thank you for your leader-ship, and your boundless passion and commitment on behalf of CCSA.
Blessings,
Akos a A. WattsHead of School/CEOThe Chester Charter School for the [email protected](610) 859-2988 At CCSA, we are actively applying
University of Pennsylvania Professor Angela Duckworth’s cutting edge research on character in our social emotional learning program. During advisory periods, we teach leadership skills and traits like perseverance, curiosity, and teamwork. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to suffer from trauma and display anxiety, skepticism, and defiant behaviors. To combat this, we build trusting student-adult relationships the moment a child enrolls.
In most urban schools the response to children is a behaviorist disciplinary approach. Our approach is different. We give students clear goals so that they know they belong and their individual strengths are valued.
In fifth grade history, the focus is on applying knowledge. Students spend time as a civil rights hero—part lesson and part performance art—re-enacting the sacrifice and courage of their chosen historical figure. The project challenges students to build research and writing skills. In the process they discover that icons of history are ordinary people.
TEACHING CHARACTER AND PURPOSE
KATHLEEN CARPENTER
K-8 Guidance Counselor
MICHELLE FREEMAN
Climate Manager
UNDERSTANDING LEADERSHIP
TAVIA JAMES
Fifth Grade Teacher
MAKING CERTAIN OUR STUDENTS HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING, AUTONOMY AND PURPOSE
Alex Perry trades his students’ pencils and paper for iPads and paint, to teach the periodic table of elements.
6 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 7
n November 9, CCSA ninth and tenth grade students theater majors sat riveted in
the darkness at the Lantern Theater Company in Philadelphia. The stu-dents were seeing a performance of An Iliad as part of an arts-integrated study of Greek history developed in partnership with the Lantern Theater’s education department.
Over a ten-week period, our high school students read passages from The Iliad in their English class and studied the classical Greek period in their history class. Our art majors vis-ited the Philadelphia Museum of Art to view Cy Twombly’s 50 Days at Iliam—derived from Homer’s epic poem—to find inspiration for their own large-scale abstract portraits of Greek gods. In theater class, students worked with guest Lantern Theater teaching artist Mike Dees to write and perform original monologues based on Greek mythological figures. Seeing An Iliad at the Lantern was just one part of a multi-dimensional learning experience.
I remember my own experience reading Homer’s works in high school. The language was Greek to me – pun intended. Through this project, all of our students were able to access the content, talking to the gods and each other, finding humor, compassion, justice, and peace.
Stacy Dutton, Executive Director of the Lantern shares, “The Lantern residency at CCSA on An Iliad was designed to provide CCSA students with the tools of theater to understand Homer’s work. Theatrical techniques enable students to draw parallels between their own life experiences and the experiences of the Greek
Talking With The Gods and Each Other Finding an outlet through Homer’s Iliad | By Mindy Nguyen-Balli, Dean of Arts Integration
characters in the play and in the epic poems they explored. It turns out that Greek gods and heroes share many of the experiences of adolescence—conflict, betrayal, competition, love, and envy.” Learning these stories both challenged and captivated the stu-dents. One tenth grader whose mother was recently incarcerated shared, “The stories of the Gods are so real. They experience what it’s like to miss some-one, grieve for someone, and also be mad at them. I could relate to that.”
Ninth grader Jordan said, “I was immediately sucked into the stories of the Gods, and was able to see similar-ities between Achilles and our leaders today. Achilles had to make decisions just as our leaders do when they think about going to war with other coun-tries, or dealing with challenges in our city. Working with teaching artist Mr. Mike helped give these old stories a modern meaning.”
Craig Getting, education director at the Lantern, noticed how deeply personal the students’ work became as they accessed the emotional content of the Greek stories. “Violence, whether it is community violence, or international war, becomes a particularly poignant topic when explored through the voices of young people. These topics can be difficult to discuss, but can be safely explored through theater and art.”
After seeing An Iliad, students participated in a talk-back with Lantern education staff. One student asked, “How did Mr. De Laurier (the actor) prepare to play so many roles?” The answer was, in one word, “Empathy.” Mr. De Laurier put himself in the shoes of each character.
This partnership culminated in a public exhibition of student mon-ologues and visual art work at the Lantern Theater in November accom-panied by a panel discussion about arts integration. The students per-formed their works at CCSA’s winter concert. A visual arts display of the Cy Twombly-influenced canvases is currently on display in the front con-ference room of our current facility. Inspired by our experience working with the Lantern, in March, we held a panel conversation at Kendal at Longwood about arts integration and the importance of cultural literacy.
We extend a very special thanks to Stacy Dutton, Jay Goldberg, Craig Getting, Charles McMahon, Mike Dees, and the Board of Trustees at the Lantern Theater Company for making this work possible. For more infor-mation about the partnership, and to see a full display of student work, visit thechesterfund.org/talkingwithgods.
Taking students
to the Philadelphia
Museum of Art to
spend time with
20th century artist
Cy Twombly’s
ten illustrative narratives of
Homer’s epic was powerful.
Studying Greek history in
diverse locations inspired
students to produce
multiple drafts of writing
and artwork, applying new
skills and information to their
pieces. — Mindy Nguyen-Balli, Dean of Arts Integration, CCSA
Jordan, grade 9, rehearses her monologue, “God: Cronus or Kronus.”
Persephone. By Isaiah, grade 9.
Amphitrite: Moon and Sea—Poseidon’s Wife. By Latrell, grade 10.
Apollo. By Saayidah, grade 10.
Hades. By Kwaadera, grade 10.
Hades. By Steven, grade 9.
Aphrodite. By Jayla, grade 10.
› Curriculum in Focus
CCSA and the Lantern Theater Company celebrated their partnership and arts-integrated learning on November 18 with an exhibition of student art work and a panel. Featured left to right: Craig Getting (Director of Education at the Lantern), Mindy Nguyen (Dean of Arts Integration at CCSA), Charles McMahon (Artistic Director at the Lantern), and Alyssa Franklin (Theater Instructor at CCSA).
8 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 9
Business leaders bring vision, resources and opportunity to Chester
By Daima Mbele, High School Counselor and Director of Post-Secondary Planning
Influence in Action
Building a Path to Post-Secondary Success
Thanks are due to long-time CCSA supporter Diane Seider, who arranged for a fall visit from two engineers from the Navy Yard in Philadelphia. Following the visit, two of our tenth grade students applied to, and one was accepted into, the prestigious Science and Engineering Apprenticeship Program. Jasmin will receive a stipend to support her par-ticipation in research at a Navy lab for eight weeks this summer, advancing her towards a career in the sciences.
Established in 2014, Career Day introduces CCSA stu-dents from Kindergarten up to a range of careers. We connect our students with professionals, and introduce community leaders to our talented children.
GWEN SMITHPresident, Springfield Hospital
DONYE’ DUNCAN Firefighter, Chester Firefighters Local 1400
AMY POLLACK Graphic designer and founder of TwistnShout
BECKY BIRTHA Children’s book author and poet
JOSEPH HUGHES Chester Township police officer
NEWTON BUCHANAN Simulation Technician at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
JEFF WOLTERS Attorney and partner, Morris, Nichols, Arsht and Tunnell, LLP
ocial work and teaching at CCSA is my first choice profession, but it wasn’t an
easy path to get here. My mother was addicted to drugs, and I didn’t meet my father until I was nineteen years old. It was a long road, from a strug-gling high school student to commu-nity college, a four year college, to graduate school, and seventeen years working in the Philadelphia school system, to CCSA.
How did I arrive at my first choice profession? I had a great mentor. I will never forget Mwangazi Mshindi, who guided me through a maze of educa-tional choices. He saw my intelligence and talent, without the filter of “at risk.” If not for Mr. Mshindi, my first choice profession would likely not have been possible.
I am committed to being a mentor to our students (and providing them with diverse mentors and models). I meet at least every other week with 100 students to discuss careers, goals,
To learn more about CCSA’s post- secondary programs, visit the chesterfund.org/ourvision.
relationships, and post-secondary planning. We talk about preparation, hard work, and investing in relation-ships and experiences. When working with the students, I don’t minimize how difficult the path can be to a career you love.
Chester Today Chester is a majority African American city. Only 9% of residents have a college degree, 20% of residents are unemployed, Chester High School’s graduation rate is close to 50%, and
industry has largely disappeared. The persistence of economic insecurity means that CCSA students don’t have an easy path to higher education and careers. CCSA’s Solution To help stem the long-standing opportunity divide in Chester, our new post-secondary planning program is designed to give our students the skills and relationships that will empower them to reach their potential through higher education and employment.
PASSION DRIVEN LEARNING We nurture interests and talents from day one to help students discover where their abilities align with their passions.
PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS We are building partnerships with colleges, businesses, and other organizations that support youth to access resources, including admissions and financial aid guidance, SAT prep, mentors, and internships.
HIGH SCHOOL ELECTIVE OPPORTUNITIES All high school students will participate in life-skill and career-relevant electives, in addition to continuing core studies in English, History, Math, Science, and the Arts. Elective options may include Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Service Learning, Technical Design and Production.
GRADUATION AND BEYOND Our first class will graduate in June 2019. Our goal is for 100% of students to graduate with a post high school plan to attend college, enter a vocational program, join the military, or enter employment.
PURPOSEFUL PLANNING Students begin to develop high school visions the summer before ninth grade. Post-secondary planning continues through high school, with individual and in-class advisories, college visits, career-related field trips, elective programs, and external partnerships.
Interested in supporting The Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA) and earning tax credits for your business?
Join us for an informative workshop with CPA Josh Twersky who will help you complete an application to lower your tax liability and make a substantial impact at CCSA.
Lunch will be served. Parking is available.
The Chester Fund presents Make EITC Tax Credits Work for Your Business Your EITC Contribution Can Change Lives
You Can SUPPORT CCSA Through Your BusinessYour Business Contributes to Brighter Futures in Chester
Friday, June 2, 1:30 – 3:00 PM
CCSA200 Commerce Drive Aston, PA 19014
For more information and to sign up visit: thechesterfund.org/eitc or call (610) 859-2988.
ATTEND OUR EITC WORKSHOP
June 2, 2017
Career Day Connections
10 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 11
Reflections on Leadershiphe art of leadership is liberating people to reach their potential. Effective leadership creates a culture where the opportunity to learn and use our natural abilities is present every day.
My professional world as a consultant is grounded in Servant-Leadership, in which serving others is prioritized. Popularized by Robert Greenleaf, Servant-Leadership calls for those in charge to share their power and encourage others’ growth. I am often asked, “How do we teach leadership?” My response is that leadership qualities emerge when a person has had the opportunity to cultivate passion and purpose, and has learned to practice service and feel gratitude.
Research indicates that opportunity, coupled with a community that sup-ports our goals, are vital for success. Our students will not develop into leaders by working in isolation. Their success as scholars, artists, athletes, and leaders must be fueled by the community and opportunities at CCSA.
CCSA’s culture of rigor, encouragement, and support fosters student autonomy and collaboration. These are key ingredients of leadership development. When I talk with my tenth grade friend, Isaiah, whom I tutored in second grade and have loved ever since, the outcomes of CCSA’s program are personified. Isaiah recently shared, “This community has pushed me to try things. When I think I’ve mastered something, I’m challenged to do something more. But although I’m pushed, I’m also supported.”
When John Alston asked Maurice Eldridge, Don and Cordelia Delson, and my wife Wendy and me to help him found The
Chester Fund in 2005, we wanted to ensure that children in Chester would have opportunities to live passionate, purposeful, and joyful lives. Today, as you can see in these wonderful photos, CCSA is well on the way to accomplishing this goal—and we are grateful.
For more wonderful photos of the practice of leadership, visit thechesterfund.org/practicingleadership.
Fulfilling Potential Through Practice
By James Emrich, CCSA Founding Volunteer
ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP
PEER LEADERSHIP COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Jim Emrich with Isaiah, Grade 10
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
Brionna Verse, Swarthmore College ‘17, has volunteered in Reading Beach Club and served as a student teacher in our third grade classrooms. She has set an incredible example for our children.
40+ Volunteers support early literacy at CCSA every Friday through our Reading Beach Club program and were recognized on CBS News for their contributions to our school. Storytellers on tv here: http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/03/01/brotherly-love-seniors-read-to-students/.
CCSA Singers spent weeks rehearsing for a pop up performance at Per Lei Boutique and B.Gross Menswear, hosted by Cathy Baum, Candice Caprice, Perri Evanson, Phyllis Firestone, Carol Jacobs, Bruce Middleman, Abbie Rowley, Margie Saland, Naomi Spector, and Kay Tuch.
CCSA’s student council helped to register voters this fall.
CCSA students and Swarthmore Presbyterian Church’s youth group are creating a joint service learning program to support community beautification in Chester.
Kathleen Roach, one of CCSA’s Reading Specialists, created a cross country program this fall. CCSA’s team members were new to the sport, but competed successfully in regional meets, running many miles. Program highlights include, Walter, a tenth grader, taking 6+ minutes off his 5k time and all students earning personal bests by season end.
PARTNER LEADERSHIP
Episcopal Academy students completed three service learning projects at CCSA-creating murals and sprucing up our playground-ensuring a beautiful and safe CCSA!
The Pennsylvania Ballet’s education program partnered with CCSA this year. Jon Martin of the Ballet taught a master class for CCSA dance majors, support-ing the launch of the Exhibition Series, PA Ballet II performed at CCSA, and our students attended a performance of the Nutcracker and a private rehearsal of Re/Action at the Louise Reed Dance Studios.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP BY THE NUMBERS
› 168 volunteers contributed 2,984 hours of service to CCSA
› 953 Miles logged this year by Super Volunteer, and White Horse Village resident, Peggy Thompson
› 3 CCSA student-led service learning projects
› 2 Youth-led partnerships with Episcopal Academy and Swarthmore Presbyterian Church
› 541 student leaders.
Delaware Valley Chapter of The Links sponsored a visit by Charlayne Hunter-Gault, civil rights hero and journalist.
12 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 13
A Biologist’s Perspective on Art (and Science)A first-hand account of STEAM education at CCSA | By Mandy Meltz
By Hillary Sorin, Director of Development and Communications
$250,000 anonymous leadership gift fast-tracks CCSA’s arts-integrated program
Leadership Gift Funds New Initiatives
am a fan of STEAM—the inte-grated teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art,
and Math—because it is how the world works. We need to understand how content and concepts interrelate, not merely how academic subjects func-tion in isolation. This approach aligns with CCSA’s teaching model. Over the last seven months, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to volunteer in CCSA’s second grade for a STEAM project around wildlife.
The STEAM model requires excel-lent team work. This too is something at which CCSA excels, and I couldn’t have wished for better team-mates than second grade faculty Tasha Birtha, Lindsay Kern, and Nicola Robinson. I visited the second grade every two weeks, working with students on ecology, biology, and ornithology. In addition to in-class science lessons, students observed birds on the school campus, built bird feeders, and created environmental dioramas in art.
On March 29, we visited Bucktoe Creek Preserve, known for its special woodland and meadow ecosystems, where we actually saw raptors. In May, we will visit the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge —a contrasting local wetlands environment. Through this wide range of practical and creative hands-on engorgement with the natural world, the students came to appre-ciate deeply the “how and why” of conservation.
I look forward to ongoing work with CCSA’s young scientists, and to seeing
MEET OUR RESIDENT BIOLOGIST
Mandy has a BA in Biology from University of Colorado, completed post graduate studies at Colorado State University, worked with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and received a Master’s Degree in education from Villanova University before teaching science at Penncrest High School.
how the Peggy and Pete Thompson Science Center on the new campus will support CCSA’s goals for high school STEAM programming.
CCSA launched the field studies program this school year, enhancing cultural experiences and arts instruction for our students. CCSA welcomed an onsite performance by PA Ballet II on February 2.
CCSA’s fine and performing arts program adds joy and rigor to the school day. Kindergartener Ja’Yana was one of many CCSA students whose artwork was displayed as part of the Exhibition Series.
› Science Students read scientific text about environment, ecology, and
conservation, studied birds, migration, and aerodynamics, and collected data
on local birds.
› Technology Students learned to use binoculars, and practice scientific
methodology.
› Engineering Students made bird feeders and created local habitats for birds
using items found around CCSA’s campus.
› Art Students studied expressionist painters Ludwig Kirchner, August Macke,
Erich Heckel, and Paula Modersohn-Becker, examining ways in which the
natural world has been illustrated in art. Students used colors and tones they
observed in science class to create their own expressionist works.
› Mathematics Students use math skills to build bird houses, map landscapes,
and collect and analyze their observational data.
With this Leadership Gift, STEAM Learning at CCSA Takes Flight
e were floored by the outstanding generosity of an anonymous donor, who gave
$250,000 to support arts-integrated learning at CCSA this year. This gift allowed us to launch important new programs, including CCSA’s Exhibition Series.
The Exhibition Series is a performance and gallery showcase that creates opportunities for CCSA students to present their work to a live audience. Events were held in seven locations this year, providing opportunities for students across all grade levels to participate and share their work. Retirement communities and businesses hosted student exhibits and performances.
These opportunities connect intergenerational communities and support key academic skills and competencies.
Performing and presenting work in public requires students to demonstrate mastery. Students must hone their creative process to meet exhibition deadlines; they must anticipate their audience and shape their presentations accordingly; they must describe their work and why it is meaningful; and they must practice performing or presenting with poise.
The Exhibition Series allows stu-dents to critique their own work and that of their peers, to receive feedback from their teachers and from audience members, and to learn how to navi-gate and respond to such feedback.
At CCSA, we are committed to developing flexible, imaginative thinkers through experiences which not only challenge students, but allow them to achieve with joy. Working
to produce exhibition-ready work provides these experiences.
We thank our supporter for this incredible opportunity and we thank our wonderful hosts and committee chairs who make this work possible.
14 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 15
› Volunteer Profile
Leading Lives of Distinction and PurposeBy Barbara Klock, MD and Salem Shuchman, Capital Campaign Co-Chairs
e have both been involved in Chester since our time as Lang Scholars at Swarthmore College. Today, we are simply delighted to see the impact that CCSA is having in the city. In less than five years, CCSA
has become a beacon of excellence in public education in our region. The new campus in Chester—which will be completed this July—is a
physical embodiment of the strength of CCSA’s program. As we near this milestone, we are pleased to highlight a number of leaders who were instrumental in supporting CCSA’s future. These leaders exemplify CCSA’s goal for its graduates—to be creative thinkers with purpose and character.
Creative LeadershipScott recently retired as co-founding CEO of Lilly Pulitzer and, with his business partner, revived the beloved resort-wear brand. Noted for his colorful ties at board meetings, Scott brings charisma, creativity and detail to his leadership work in Chester.
In his role as board treasurer, he has ensured not only the financial health of the school from year to year, but also coordinated financing arrangements that have made our new campus possible. Scott’s creative approach to leadership in business, design, and urban education is exactly the example that we want for our students – he brings ingenuity and a spark to everything he does.
SCOTT A. BEAUMONT
› Treasurer, CCSA Board of Trustees› Ret. Co-Founding CEO, Lilly Pulitzer
Fearless LeaderDon has had three successful careers—in law, investment banking, and most recently as President of CCSA’s Board of Trustees. For the past five years, Don has driven CCSA’s development, and is the architect behind our project, overseeing our charter application and renewal, the campus construction project, and strategic planning for CCSA’s ongoing growth. Akosua Watts, Head of School says, “Don has taken extraordinary risks for CCSA’s children. He believes in the impossible, and through his persistence it becomes possible!”
DONALD W. DELSON
› President, CCSA Board of Trustees› Ret. Senior Advisor, Keefe, Bruyette,
& Woods, Inc.
Always on Target As Chair of The Chester Fund for over six years, Jay has steered us through an economically challenging environment, pushing creative fundraising approaches in order to make CCSA’s programs possible. Jay oversaw CCSA’s opening in 2012 and the launch of the capital campaign for CCSA’s new campus in 2015. Jay has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, straight-talking leader who looks for measurable results. He’s not afraid of tough questions, and his financial expertise has been invaluable. Jay was instrumental in helping to secure seed funding for CCSA’s innovative programming. Providing steady guidance through the hardest of times and the best of times, Jay’s leadership has resulted in historic fundraising efforts in the city of Chester, a spectacular achievement!
JAMES J. MCENTEE, III
› Chair, The Chester Fund› President & Chief Financial Officer,
Fintech Acquisition Corp. II
Pioneering EducatorA lifelong educator, Anna Hadgis left her role as Head of the Shipley Lower School in 2004 to enter the public school sector in Philadelphia and fulfill her dream of helping children living in urban settings. Anna began a career as a Reading First Coach in the Philadelphia School District before being recruited to work at Russell Byers Charter School, where she became principal in 2009.
At Shipley, Anna had been an unparalleled advocate for multidisciplinary teaching and learning, and she brought this passion to Byers. From Byers, Anna was recruited to lead what has become CCSA, bringing an exceptional team of educators to the project, including CCSA Head of School Akosua Watts and Board Member Steve Piltch, Head of School at Shipley. Since retiring in 2014, Anna remains a passionate champion of CCSA’s children.
ANNA SOPHOCLES HADGIS
› Ret. Principal, CCSA› Former Lower School Principal,
The Shipley School
A Mission Driven LeaderWendy can recall the exact moment she made the decision to devote herself to fundraising for arts and education in Chester. After seeing the Chester Children’s Chorus perform in 2003 and being asked to join its board, John Alston looked her in the eye and said, “Wendy Emrich, how would you like to help me start a school?” In 2004, Wendy and John worked daily to lay the groundwork for a new school in Chester.
In 2005, Wendy, her husband Jim, Cordelia and Don Delson, and Maurice Eldridge joined John to found The Chester Fund. Thus began an eight-year tenure as the Fund’s Managing Director. Known for her peerless attention to detail and tireless commitment to the school and its children, Wendy stepped down as Managing Director at the end of 2012, but continues to play a crucial role on The Chester Fund’s board as Secretary/Treasurer.
WENDY EMRICH
› Treasurer/Secretary, The Chester Fund› Ret. Managing Director, The Chester
Fund
A Man of PrinciplesAfter graduating from Swarthmore College in the 1960s as one of the College’s first black students, Maurice became a lifelong educator and advocate for racial equity and opportunity. A firm believer in the arts as a vehicle for improving outcomes for at risk-youth, Maurice served as Principal at Duke Ellington School for the Arts in Washington, DC.
After returning to Swarthmore to serve in college administration, he was instrumental in helping John Alston found the Chester Children’s Chorus, The Chester Fund, and CCSA, bridging the communities of Chester and Swarthmore. Through this work, Maurice has helped to cement the College’s reputation as a force for good in the world, connecting college resources, talent, and commitment to the children of Chester. Maurice has created an enduring bond between Swarthmore College and the children of Chester.
MAURICE ELDRIDGE
› Secretary, VP, CCSA Board of Trustees› Ret. VP of College and Community
Relations, Swarthmore College› Former Principal, The Duke Ellington
School for the Arts
16 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 17
CCSA’s New Campus is Designed to InspireNearing Our Goal
As of this printing, we have raised $5.4 million of our $7 million goal.
Construction is on time and on budget; the only significant change order adds two classrooms on the third floor to house our new Health Sciences Elective Program. Gift Highlights: Honoring Friends Through Named Spaces
Thanks to three anonymous supporters, we are pleased to announce the naming of the Music Center in honor of our visionary founder, John Alston. The John Alston Music Center includes two prac-tice rooms and a large, bright rehearsal space for choral and instrumental music. The Music Center, with large windows and appropriate acoustics, will enable us to pursue our goal to give each child the joyful opportunity of mastery.
An anonymous donor has made a gift of $1 million to name CCSA’s new high school wing the Maurice G. Eldridge High School, in recognition of Maurice’s lifetime of work dedicated to the education and personal develop-ment of young people.
$50,000 has been committed towards a goal of $100,000 to name The Anna Hadgis Technical Arts Studio at CCSA. The studio will serve as a flexible learning hub for interdiscipli-nary courses, with facilities for visual art, graphic design, web design, and video editing.
Joseph and Lana Turner made a $250,000 gift to support the construc-tion of science labs in honor of Peggy and Pete Thompson. The Peggy and Pete Thompson Science Center will be home to two laboratories to support rigorous instruction in biology, physics, and chemistry.
The first floor visual art studio will be a beautiful, airy 1000 square foot class-room with adjoining kiln room where students will learn drawing, painting, sculpture, and ceramics.
A 1550 square foot dance studio on the second floor will support instruc-tion in a range of classical and modern dance forms and house CCSA’s master class program in partnership with The Pennsylvania Ballet and other arts partners.
CCSA’s cafetorium will serve as a multi-purpose space that will allow for rich social experiences–community gatherings, meals, and academic activities and performances.
› Campaign Update
he Building Bright Futures Campaign for CCSA has experienced great success thanks to your tremendous leadership. We are just months away from opening the doors of our new 90,000 square foot facility on
11 acres of land at 1200 Highland Avenue in Chester.As president of CCSA’s board, I am grateful for your investment in our mission.
Every aspect of the new campus enhances CCSA’s arts-integrated program. The new campus allows us to complete our K-12 continuum. By September
2018, we will enroll 650 students, nearly 10% of Chester’s school aged population. We are particularly happy to be moving to the city of Chester, where our families live and work.
We have designed a school that feels very open, and optimizes natural light throughout. The new campus addresses critical academic needs, ensuring that students have hands-on, creative experiences in math, science, engineering, and the arts. It supports active learning through lab experiments in the Peggy and Pete Thompson Science Lab, web and graphic design in the Anna Hadgis Technical Arts Studio, and vocal performance and musical composition in the John Alston Music Center.
Our new campus will import talent and resources. The building is designed for master class experiences and guest lectures. The facility also includes a wing for a health sciences initiative to support post-secondary career and university preparation. CCSA’s beautiful campus will contribute to a broad-based community movement to improve the West End of Chester.
Financing this project required a very strong team. We’ve been lucky to have outstanding capital campaign co-chairs, Barbara Klock and Salem Shuchman, an exceptional school board, the support of The Chester Fund’s Board, and the tireless commitment of its staff. Together, we have secured an underwritten bond issue and raised private funding.
Our new campus represents the next exciting phase for CCSA. Please visit the building in progress, and consider making a gift to support this incredible new educational space. I look forward to celebrating with you as we open the doors to a new chapter in Chester’s history and a bright future for our children.
In great anticipation,
Donald W. Delson Board President, CCSA
Share the Vision
If you are interested in learning more about CCSA’s new campus, taking a tour, or pledging your support, please contact Keren White at (610) 859-2988 or [email protected].
The Future of Arts-Integrated Learning
Take a Peek Inside CCSA’s New 21st Century Facility
The John Alston Music Center
18 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 19
› Philanthropy Highlights
Leaders Create Leaders To celebrate CCSA’s five-year milestone, we hosted parties and blew out candles. Here’s a recap.
Carré d’artistesOn November 11, CCSA celebrated with a gathering at Carré d’artistes, an art gallery in Center City Philadelphia. Gallery owner Debbie Morton, whose husband Ben Berger serves on CCSA’s board, said, “I opened Carré d’artistes inspired by Andy Warhol’s words, ‘Art should not be reserved for a privileged few, art is for everyone.’ This principle guides Ben’s and my support for CCSA.” The event featured an auction of works by fine artists Mike Pavol and Darcie Goldberg.
ou are playing a leading role in transforming education and closing the opportunity gap in Chester! We’ve made significant progress with
our capital campaign and with a record-breaking year in fundraising to support school programs.
I want to extend my sincere thanks for your support of CCSA students through The Chester Fund. There has never been a more important time to invest in CCSA programs as we look forward to moving to our new campus, completing our high school program over the next two years, and preparing our first graduates for a bright future.
Running a high school brings new requirements as well as exciting opportunities. Offering STEAM programs at the high school level means outfitting science labs and hiring new teachers. A full athletic program—crucial to students’ health and wellness—requires playing fields and equipment. Preparing students for life beyond CCSA requires a post-secondary program—including college visits, internships, mentors, and SAT-prep.
I am pleased that the collective generosity of this community has allowed CCSA to sustain and grow key programs.
We are deeply grateful as well for the time, wisdom, and enthusiasm you share with CCSA. You chair committees, serve as advocates, welcome our students and program into your homes, businesses, and organizations, and so much more. Your support touches every aspect of the student experience at CCSA and inspires our faculty and staff. You can see this enthusiasm on the following page.
There is still much work to be done to level the playing field for CCSA students. We have a goal to raise over $1 million by June 30 to add 11th grade and continue to develop programs that will help our graduates succeed beyond CCSA. I invite you to join me in making a gift to The Chester Fund to support the development of CCSA’s young leaders. With much appreciation,
James J. McEntee, IIIChair, The Chester Fund
Integrated Arts $316,500
Literacy $27,000
Science $107,000
Social Emotional Learning
$76,000
Unrestricted $420,175
TOTAL TO DATE
$946,675
Summary of Giving to Date
Our goal is to raise over $1 million for the annual fund by June 30.
ONLINE
thechesterfund.org/donate
BY PHONE
(610) 859-2988
BY EMAIL
Hillary Sorin at
Please make checks payable
to The Chester Fund
Our Address:
The Chester Charter
School for the Arts
200 Commerce Drive
Aston, PA 19014
How To Give
Kendal at LongwoodOn February 28, we launched a two-week visual art show at Kendal at Longwood, kicked off by a dance performance and reception organized by Michele Berardi, Allan Brick, Peggy Brick, Peggy Draegert, Jim Hazard, Elsa Lichtenberg, Bill Miller, Judi Paxson, Marilyn Rico, and Betty Warner. The event honored residents Katharine Myers and Marjean Willett, and the memory of David Mooberry.
The Kendal showcase culminated on March 13 with a panel discussion on arts integration in the urban classroom. In closing remarks, Marilyn Henkelman, a member of The Chester Fund Board shared, “You have invested in CCSA’s vision and you under-stand that strong community support is crucial to helping children in Chester achieve their goals. Your engagement in our school gives our stu-dents access to connections and experiences that they would not otherwise be able to access.”
White Horse Village CCSA students brought the celebration to White Horse Village on February 15 for Love Shines, a dance pop up hon-oring resident and longtime CCSA friend Peggy Thompson. Akosua Watts, speaking to Peggy, stated, “CCSA is defined by a value system that you have modeled–intellectual curiosity, generosity, gratitude, optimism, perseverance, and zest.” Peggy’s husband Pete said, “Our relationships with CCSA and its children have transformed our lives.”
Community Arts Center Our second celebration continued at the Community Arts Center in Wallingford on November 29, with an event hosted by Reb and Ginna Speare to share news about CCSA’s new campus and the Building Bright Futures Campaign. Reb Speare, vice-chair of The Chester Fund and a Chester native, stated, “Your generosity tells our students that they matter, that their city matters, that their history matters.” Barbara Klock, CCSA’s campaign co-chair, described the master plan for CCSA’s new facility and the opportunities that it would allow.
Dunwoody VillageOn January 10, Dunwoody Village hosted Inside So Strong, a pop up dance per-formance by CCSA students. The event was organized by residents and staff, Eugene C. Bay, Jean Bay, Christine S. Beck, Cynthia Bredikin, Marie Fiori, Ellen Jackson, Carolyn Raymond, and John Vaughan. The event honored Dunwoody volunteers and CCSA arts partners, including the Pennsylvania Ballet, and was sponsored by Maxine and Jay L. Goldberg. Kaniah Browne, a ninth grade per-former thanked the audience, saying, “This is our first public performance, and we are delighted to share all that we have learned with you!”
20 | CCSA Today Spring 2017 | 21
The Power of Great Classroom LibrariesBy Stacey Kucera, Katie Petrello and Lela Todd
› What’s on Your Bookshelf?
hen students see classrooms brimming with books, they understand that books are important. CCSA’s new building will hold more than 30 stand-alone
libraries dispersed across our school. For CCSA students, there are no limits to the literature that they read and fall in love with. In our two third grade classrooms, we have over 1,000 non-fiction and fiction titles—all organized by level, genre, and topic for students reading above, at, and below reading benchmarks. Why are classroom libraries important? Recent studies say that 80% of students report that the books they enjoy most are the ones they select themselves.
CCSA’s decision to disperse books among classrooms rather than having one central library ensures that books are accessible to students at all times. As a result, our students are constantly engrossed in literature.
What’s on our bookshelves? This year we’ve highlight-ed Nikki Grimes, an African American author of children’s and young adults’ novels. Ms. Grimes’ work includes the Danitra Brown series, The Road to Paris (2007), and Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope (2008). Ms. Grimes, winner of the 2017 Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal, visited CCSA on March 29 and presented her writing to students. Such opportunities help our children fall in love with literature and the craft of writing.
We are grateful to work in a school that creates such opportunities. In many schools, teachers have to buy books for their classrooms. But CCSA has made access to books a core priority, designating $25,000 annually towards a book budget. This level of investment is made possible through donations to The Chester Fund. Your support is a testament to our broader community’s commitment to literacy. Thank you! There is great power in literacy and classroom libraries, and you unleash this power through your support.
CCSA’s Libraries and Literacy Campaign Underway
Thank you to The McLean Contributionship, Joan and Ken Wright, Perri Ann Evanson, Rotary Club of Swarthmore, Eugene C. Bay and Jean Bay, and Grant Grissom for invest-ing in our libraries through your support of the Building Bright Futures Campaign!
Share in the Vision
If you are interested in learning more about CCSA’s campaign to support libraries in every classroom or would like to pledge your support, please contact Hillary Sorin, at (610) 859-2988 or [email protected].
Hundreds of specially curated
book titles for our third grade
scholars – dreams do come true. – Stacey Kucera, Third Grade Teacher
› 30+ Dispersed Classroom Libraries – uniquely curated by reading level and subject matter.
› Monthly used book sales – books are $.50
› Regular book give-aways to build students’ home libraries
› Five Reading Specialists
› Leveled Literacy Intervention; Reading and Writing Workshop Model; Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System; Scholastic Reading Counts
› Ready to Succeed Summer Program for K-2nd Grade Students
› Visiting Author Series
› Reading Beach Club and Reading Beach Club Reunion – our signature volunteer literacy programs
THE FIX A Focus on Literacy
LITERACY IN AMERICA
1. Only 48% of young children in the U.S. are read to daily. The percentage of children read to daily drops to 36% among low-income families, whose children face the highest risk of literacy problems.
2. In middle income communities the ratio is 13 books per child; in low-income communities, the ratio is 1 book for every 300 children.
3. Cost is a key barrier to book ownership; 94% of teachers use their own money to provide books for their students.
4. 68% of America’s fourth graders read at a below proficient level and 82% of those children are from low-income families.
5. By the time children from low-income families enter kindergarten, they are 12-14 months below national norms in language and pre-reading skills.
Statistics courtesy of Children’s Literacy Initiative and First Book.
200 Commerce Drive Aston, PA 19014
thechesterfund.org (610) 859-2988
save the date!
You are cordially invited to celebrate the completion of the new campus of The Chester Charter School for the Arts (CCSA).Join us as we cut the ribbon and enter our new school building! The Chester Charter School for the Arts1200 Highland Avenue Chester, PA 19013
CCSA’S RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONYFriday, August 25, 2017 | 1 p.m.
New School CampusFront Elevation View
Chester Charter School for the Arts
For questions or to RSVP, contact Keren White at (610) 859-2988 or email
Triangles. By Akeem, grade 9.
Non-ProfitU.S. Postage
PAIDPermit 222
MEDIA 19063
